Trying anything for the first time may feel a bit intimidating. There are a quite a few myths to explode about coming to watch ballet and the experience you are going to have. So if you’ve though ‘hmm… I’d like to go and see a ballet but…’ then this is for you!
Photo credit Steven Hansen.
What is ballet?
Ballet is a form of dance that originated in France in 16th Century, but has spread across the globe. It is a dance language that can tell stories, express ideas or simply be dance for the sake of it. Ballet is based on a very particular technique that takes many years to master, so when you come and watch your first ballet and you’re thinking it looks hard, that’s because it is!
What should I come and see?
Ballet is a very accessible art form and there are both modern and traditional pieces, so something to suit everyone. The best suggestion would be to read the description and if you like the sound of it – take the plunge!
Triple Bills are made up of 3 often contrasting works so can be a good start point as if you don’t like one there’ll be another one along in a minute!
If you like the idea of a story ballet then Swan Lake (19 - 23 September) is often described as the greatest ballet of them all, so that’s also quite a good place to begin.
Do I have to dress up?
The answer is no. Some people do get dressed up and some people don’t. There’s no dress code of any sort, so just turn up wearing whatever you are comfortable in, you are after all coming to enjoy yourself.
How is the evening structured?
Firstly, it’s always an idea to arrive in good time, so you can relax, perhaps get a programme, which will give you loads more information about the ballet, find your seats etc. If you don’t want to buy a programme then there are free cast sheets available with information about who is dancing in that performance.
For the most part ballets are divided into two or three acts (think of them as large chapters in a book), separated by intervals. During the interval you can grab a drink or an ice cream in foyer, whilst behind the scenes Birmingham Royal Ballet’s technical staff will probably be changing the set for the next act.
How will I know what is going on?
Outlines of the plot are always available online and you can of course buy a programme in the foyer before the performance, which will have a detailed description of all the action. Ballets don’t, as a general rule, have very complicated plots so you won’t get lost.
When do I clap?
There isn’t a ‘rule’ on when to clap. Most applause takes place at the end of each act, especially at the very end of the ballet, but you’ll often find the audience bursting into spontaneous applause after a particularly impressive section or moment. If in doubt, go with the flow.
What am I supposed to feel?
People get different things from ballet, so don’t worry if your response is quite different to someone else’s. There’s no ‘right way’ to feel.
Doesn’t ballet have lots of technical terms that I need to know?
Don’t worry, not knowing the ‘correct’ words won’t in anyway stop you enjoying the ballet, as for the most part they are simply the names of different steps or moves. As with any art form there is what you might call a ‘language’. This can often be the most intimidating thing about getting into ballet. Given ballet’s origins, the terms that you’ll hear and read will be in French. Once you’ve seen a few ballets you’ll start to pick up these phrases, but to get you started, the term pas de deux – literally ‘steps of two’ i.e. two people dancing, is one you will hear a lot, as in many of the great ballets it is the grand pas de deux that steals the show.
What about the music?
It’s best to think about ballet as a combination of music and movement, the two complement each other and the dancers are interpreting the music. The music will usually be performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s own acclaimed orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia with a few exceptions. If you come and see a ballet such as Swan Lake it is highly likely that you will recognise parts of the music, as bits of it have been used on TV, radio and in films. The notable exceptions have included a jazz band in the orchestra pit for David Bintley’s Take Five and even further away from the traditional, company dancer Kit Holder created a work called Printer Jam, which was to a drum n’ bass track!
Any questions?
If you’ve any more questions about coming to watch a Birmingham Royal Ballet performance, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@brb.org.uk or call us on 0121 245 3505 and we’ll be happy to help.